Lawrence Martin Goff

Lawrence Martin Goff, 57, of Copley, died after a long illness on May 7. Larry was preceded by grandparents Vince and Rose Massaro, beloved Aunt and Godmother Joanne Contessa, his father William Goff, father-in-law John Yazvac and nephew Kyle Yazvac. Left to celebrate wonderful memories of his life are his much-loved wife of 30 years, Joanie ("Kid"), his loving son and daughter-in-law Tommie and Janel Goff, and his beautiful grandchildren Dakotah, Gabriella and Ciara Goff. Larry also leaves his loving mother Marcy Kuznik, brother and sister-in-law David and Beth Goff of St. Augustine, Florida, most favorite Uncle and mentor Matt Contessa, most special Aunt Dee Massaro (you're one in a million) and his special mother-in-law Margaret Yazvac. He will be deeply missed by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Laraine Duncan, Carolyn and John Smith, David and Ed Yazvac, and his nieces and nephews, Bethany Davis and Johnnie Smith, Olivia, Alex and Brian Yazvac, great nieces Abigail and Gabrielle Guthrie and most special nephew, Robbie Yazvac. Thank you to our dear friends and co-workers at Summit County Department of Environmental Services whose generosity and support helped us through this difficult time. They gave so much of themselves. Special thanks to our extended family- neighbors Bob, Janice, and Allison Schumacher, Eric, Margaret, Bill, Elise, and Ben Rininger, for all your love and friendship, and special visits from Mark Dunaye which gave so much comfort. Much thanks to dear family friend Rusty Pry, who is always there when you need him. Many thanks to our special friends at Dontino's for their kindness (you're part of the family). His most faithful companion Cosmo misses him. Our sincere thanks for all the loving care from the Doctors and Nursing Staff at Akron General, CaseUniversityHospitaland Hospice of Visiting Nurses Service in Fairlawn, and the Copley Squad. Larry's passion was baseball. Although Larry's tryout for the major leagues at age 19 wasn't successful, he pitched with great distinction for the Roy Hobbs Baseball League for over 15 years, playing for the Indians, Colt 45's, Dodgers and Salem Warlocks. Larry earned one of the lowest recorded ERA's, most innings pitched and most strike outs at one of his many trips to the League's World Series tournament in Lee County Florida, bringing along his own cheering section, Teri and Jerry. He was most proud of the many double headers he pitched, which included a double header he pitched to win the League Championship for the Akron Dodgers. He accumulated a career 1,000 + innings pitched. The family was thrilled to see Larry as starting pitcher in 2 Roy Hobbs All Star games at Akron's CanalPark. For the last several years, Larry umpired for the Copley Area Youth Baseball F, G and H League. He had as much fun umping as the kids had playing. Over the years, he taught many neighborhood children and aspiring young players the rules of baseball, good sportsmanship and how to catch and throw. He was a proud Union Member and Officer for URW Local 5 @ BF Goodrich, URW/USW Local 77 and most recently, Chapter Chair for DOES AFSCME Local 1229. He was a faithful supporter of the Summit County Democratic Party. Most of all he was a good and loyal friend to so many, too numerous to name, cherishing each and every one. He will be missed by all whose life he touched. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 8 pm at HENNESSY-BAGNOLI FUNERAL HOME, 936 N. MAIN ST., AKRON. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. If you wish to remember Larry, Joanie would appreciate donations to the following: the SummitCounty Democratic Party, 438 Grant St., AkronOH44311; Friends of Pets, P.O. Box 813, AkronOH44309-0813; Copley-Fairlawn Baseball, 323 Edmore, Fairlawn, OH44333; or Hospice of VNS, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron OH44333-6118.